MOUNDSVILLE – United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents in Marshall County on Friday arrested three people, according to Marshall County Sheriff Mike Dougherty.

Dougherty provided an update on those arrests on the Marshall County Sheriff’s Office Facebook page Friday. He said his office was notified in advance by ICE that their agents would be operating in the area. In coordination with federal authorities, Dougherty granted permission for ICE agents to use the Sheriff’s Office booking room to process the three arrested before being transported to Northern Regional Jail.

“My office remains committed to upholding the law and ensuring the safety and security of all Marshall County residents,” Dougherty wrote. “We will continue to cooperate with federal, state, and local law enforcement as appropriate, and we are dedicated to maintaining open communication with our community regarding law enforcement activities.”

ICE had previously reported that, from Jan. 5-19, agents “deployed surge teams” to Martinsburg, Moorefield, Morgantown, Beckley, Huntington and Charleston and arrested 650 people for immigration violations, including several with criminal histories and prior removals.

“This operation demonstrates how strong partnerships between ICE and West Virginia law enforcement agencies enhance public safety and the integrity of our immigration system,” said Enforcement and Removal Operations Philadelphia acting Field Office Director Michael Rose. “By training and supporting our 287(g) partners across the state, we’ve expanded local capacity to identify, arrest, and process illegal aliens while ensuring these authorities are exercised professionally and consistent with the law.”